Methods of operating an electronic smoking device

ABSTRACT

A method of operating an electronic smoking device. A mouthpiece is drawn on with the device in a first state in which a first atomizer is activated to atomize the first liquid vaporizable material to produce a first vapor. A first user input is provided to a user input to move the device to a second state in which a second atomizer is activated to atomize the second liquid vaporizable material to produce a second vapor. A second user input may be provided to move the device to a third state in which both the first and second atomizers are activated to produce a blend of the first and second vapors. The user input may be a singular button that toggles the device between the first, second, and third states. An indicator assembly may be viewed that indicates whether the device is in the first, second, or third states.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This is a continuation of copending U.S. application Ser. No.17/078,324, filed Oct. 23, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/872,516, filed May 12, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No.10,842,189, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.16/677,123, filed Nov. 7, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,743,589, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/597,254, filed Oct. 9,2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,721,973, the entire contents of each arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The electronic cigarette—often referred as an e-cigarette, electronicsmoking device, or electronic vaporing device—is a battery-powereddevice which simulates tobacco smoking. An atomizer may include aheating element that vaporizes a liquid solution (e-liquid) including,for example, nicotine, flavoring, or a combination thereof. Theelectronic smoking device may include a cartridge that contains thee-liquid, the heating element, and other components. The cartridge maybe removably coupled to a base that houses several components of theelectronic smoking device. The cartridge may be disposable, whereas thebase may be reusable.

The electronic smoking device may include more than one atomizer toselectively vaporize one or more e-liquids, such that those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 9,271,528, issued Mar. 1, 2016, and U.S. Pat. No.10,039,320, issued Aug. 7, 2018, the entire contents of each are herebyincorporated by reference. The '320 patent, for example, mentions avapor blend recipe produced by vaporizing more than one flavorede-liquid. The devices lack an intuitive and efficient manner by which toselect which one or more of the e-liquids to be vaporized, and/or toindicate to the user which one or more of the e-liquids is beingvaporized during operation of the electronic smoking device.

Perhaps one appealing aspect of certain electronic smoking devices isthe small form factor which may be easily stored and/or concealed.Providing an electronic smoking device including a cartridge for storingand selectively vaporizing more than one separately stored e-liquids ina space-conscious manner is a challenge not sufficiently addressed byknown electronic smoking devices. Therefore, an electronic smokingdevice configured to overcome one or more of the aforementionedshortcomings is desired.

SUMMARY

A cartridge for an electronic smoking device. The cartridge includes amouthpiece defining an opening at a proximal end of the cartridge. Ahousing coupled to the mouthpiece and includes a first reservoirconfigured to store a first liquid vaporizable material, and a secondreservoir configured to store a second liquid vaporizable material. Abase member is coupled to the housing. The base member defines a firstaperture and a second aperture separated from the first aperture by acontact surface of the base member that is configured to engage a firstpin of the capital assembly when the cartridge is removably coupled withthe capital assembly. A first terminal is electrically insulated fromthe contact surface. The first terminal is configured to engage a secondpin of the capital assembly when the cartridge is removably coupled withthe capital assembly. A second terminal is electrically insulated fromthe contact surface. The second terminal configured to engage a thirdpin of the capital assembly when the cartridge is removably coupled withthe capital assembly. A first heating element includes an end coupled tothe first terminal and an opposing end in electrical communication withthe contact surface. A second heating element including an end coupledto the second terminal and an opposing end in electrical communicationwith the contact surface such that the contact surface is a commonterminal to both of the first and second heating elements. One or bothof the first and second terminals are configured to be selectivelyelectrically energized along with the contact surface so as to providetwo electrical pathways for selectively operating one or both of thefirst and second heating elements.

A cartridge for an electronic smoking device. The cartridge includes amouthpiece defining an opening at a proximal end of the cartridge. Ahousing coupled to the mouthpiece and includes a first reservoirconfigured to store a first liquid vaporizable material, and a secondreservoir configured to store a second liquid vaporizable material. Abase member is coupled to the housing and includes a contact surfaceconfigured to engage a pin of the capital assembly when the cartridge isremovably coupled with the capital assembly. A first pair of terminalsis configured to engage additional, respective pins of the capitalassembly when the cartridge is removably coupled with the capitalassembly. A second pair of terminals in electrical communication withthe contact surface of the base member. First and second heatingelements each including an end coupled to one of the first pair ofterminals and one of the second pair of terminals. The first and secondpairs of terminals are configured to be selectively electricallyenergized for selectively operating the cartridge in one of plural modesselected from the group consisting of: (i) a first mode in which thefirst heating element vaporizes the first liquid vaporizable material;(ii) a second mode in which the second heating element vaporizes thesecond liquid vaporizable material; and (iii) a third mode in which thefirst and second heating elements simultaneously vaporize the first andsecond liquid vaporizable material.

A cartridge for an electronic smoking device. The cartridge includes amouthpiece defining an opening at a proximal end of the cartridge. Ahousing coupled to the mouthpiece and includes a first reservoirconfigured to store a first liquid vaporizable material, and a secondreservoir configured to store a second liquid vaporizable material. Abase member is coupled to the housing to define a distal end of thecartridge opposite the proximal end. The base member includes a contactsurface configured to engage a pin of the capital assembly when thecartridge is removably coupled with the capital assembly. Terminals eachinclude a contact surface positioned at least substantially flush withthe contact surface. The terminals are configured to engage additional,respective pins of the capital assembly when the cartridge is coupledwith the capital assembly. First and second heating elements eachinclude an end coupled to a separate end of the terminals, and anotherend in electrical communication with the contact surface such that thecontact surface is a common terminal to both of the first and secondheating elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic smoking system includingan electronic smoking device and a base charger.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the electronic smoking device.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the electronic smoking deviceincluding a cartridge decoupled from a capital assembly.

FIG. 4 are perspective views of each of the cartridge and the capitalassembly angled towards the viewer to show an interface between thecartridge and the capital assembly.

FIG. 5 is a rear exploded view of the capital assembly.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the capital assembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cartridge.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the cartridge.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the electronic smoking device with acasing shown in phantom.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 7 taken alongsection lines 10-10.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 7 taken alongsection lines 11-11.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of select componentry of a first andsecond atomizer.

FIG. 13 are perspective views of each of a cartridge and the capitalassembly angled towards the viewer to show another interface between thecartridge and the capital assembly.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 13 with abase member exploded to show terminals of the cartridge.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the cartridge of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 13 taken alongsection lines 16-16.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 13 with the basemember removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an electronic smoking system 14 including an electronicsmoking device 16 and a charger base 18. The electronic smoking device16 is configured to be removably coupled to the charger base 18 asdesired, for example, to replenish the energy stored within a powersource 20 or battery (see FIGS. 4-6). More particularly, the chargerbase 18 may include a plug 22 configured to be removably coupled with aremote power source such as a wall outlet, personal device, or the like.The plug 22 shown in FIG. 1 is the male connector of a universal serialbus (USB) connection. The charger base 18 includes a recess 24 sized toaccommodate and support the electronic smoking device 16 in an uprightposition, and magnets may be provided to further ensure adequateelectrical connection. Terminals 26 may be disposed within the recess 24and configured to engage complementary terminals of a charge printedcircuit board (PCB) 28 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) when the electronic smokingdevice 16 is supported by the charger base 18.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic smoking device16 includes a proximal end 30, and a distal end 32 opposite the proximalend 30. A length of the electronic smoking device 16 may be definedbetween the proximal and distal ends 30, 32 that may further definecentral or longitudinal axis (LA). The length of the electronic smokingdevice 16 may be greater than a width and greater than a thickness suchthat the electronic smoking device 16 is elongate in shape and/ornon-circular in axial section.

The electronic smoking device 16 includes a cartridge 34 and a capitalassembly 36. As implied by their names, the cartridge 34 may beremovably coupled the capital assembly 36 and disposable andreplaceable, whereas the capital assembly 36 may include componentsconsidered to be durable that may not need to be disposed of andreplaced. However, it is contemplated that the electronic smoking device16 may be of unitary construction and disposable.

The capital assembly 36 includes a casing 38. The casing 38 may beelongate and include a first pair of opposing sidewalls 40 and a secondpair of opposing sidewalls 42. The first sidewalls 40 may define thewidth of the electronic smoking device 16, and the second sidewalls 42may define the thickness of the electronic smoking device 16. The widthmay be greater than the thickness such that, with the first and secondsidewalls 40, 42 arranged generally perpendicular to one another, thecasing 38 is rectangular in section and defines a rectangular-shapedopening 44 of the capital assembly 36. In other words, the casing 38 aswell as the electronic smoking device 16 may be non-circular in axialsection. The capital assembly 36 may define the distal end 32 of theelectronic smoking device 16.

The cartridge 34 includes a housing 46, and a mouthpiece 48 fixedly orremovably coupled to the housing 46. The mouthpiece 48 may define aproximal end 50 of the cartridge 34, and the proximal end 30 of theelectronic smoking device 16. Further, the mouthpiece 48 may define anopening 52 to facilitate a user drawing vapor through the electronicsmoking device 16 in a manner to be further described. The mouthpiece 48may be coupled to the housing 46 through an interference engagement, asshown in FIG. 3, or other suitable joining means. Each of the housing 46and the mouthpiece 48 may be non-circular in axial section. The housing46 may include a first pair of opposing sidewalls 54 and a second pairof opposing sidewalls 56. The first sidewalls 54 may define the width ofthe housing 46, and the second sidewalls 56 may define the thickness ofthe housing 46. The width may be greater than the thickness such that,with the first and second sidewalls 54, 56 arranged generallyperpendicular to one another, the housing 46 is rectangular in sectionand sized to be snugly and slidably inserted into the rectangular-shapedopening 44 of the capital assembly 36. The mouthpiece 48 may alsoinclude a first pair of opposing sidewalls 58 and a second pair ofopposing sidewalls 60. The first sidewalls 58 may define the width ofthe mouthpiece 48, and the second sidewalls 60 may define the thicknessof the mouthpiece 48. The width and thickness of the mouthpiece 48 maybe slightly greater than the width and thickness of the housing 46,respectively, such that a lip 63 extends around an outer peripherydefined by outer surfaces 62 of the sidewalls 58, 60. The lip 63 mayengage the rectangular-shaped opening 44 when the cartridge 34 isappropriately disposed within the capital assembly 36 such that the lip63 provides a depth stop. The sidewalls 58, 60 of the mouthpiece 48 maytaper inwardly in the proximal direction to the proximal end 50 toprovide comfortable dimensions to the mouthpiece 48 over which the userplaces his or her mouth. The opening 52 is shown as a singular,oval-shaped opening, however, different quantities, shapes, andconfigurations of the opening(s) are contemplated.

FIG. 3 shows that at least a portion of the cartridge 34 is configuredto be removably disposed within a cavity 64 defined by the casing 38 ofthe capital assembly 36. FIG. 4 further shows the connection establishedwhen the cartridge 34 is operatively coupled to the capital assembly 36.In particular, the cartridge 34 and the capital assembly 36 includecomplementary contacts 66 that are brought into engagement with oneanother to provide an electrical connection between electricalcomponents of the capital assembly 36 and electrical components of thecartridge 34, namely the power source 20 and a main PCB assembly 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the capital assembly 36 includes a frame68 to which the other components of the capital assembly 36 are coupled.The frame 68 defines a window 70 sized to accommodate the power source20. The frame 68 may further define a slot 72 sized to receive thecharge PCB 28. With the power source 20 disposed within the window 70and the charge PCB 28 disposed within the slot 72, an electricalconnection is established between the power source 20 and the charge PCB28 for transferring energy to the power source 20 when the electronicsmoking device 16 is coupled to the charger base 18.

The capital assembly 36 also includes the main PCB assembly 74. The mainPCB assembly 74 includes contacts 76 configured to engage contacts 78 ofthe power source 20 and establish an electrical connection between themain PCB assembly 74 and the power source 20. The main PCB assembly 74includes a controller 80, and a user input 82 coupled to the controller80. The user input 82 may include a switch, as best shown in FIG. 5, forexample, a momentary switch. The user input 82 is configured to receiveat a first user input to place the electronic smoking device 16 in afirst state, a second user input to place the electronic smoking device16 in a second state, and a third user input to place the electronicsmoking device 16 in a third state. In manners to be explained indetail, the controller 80 operates the electronic smoking device 16based on the state of the electronic smoking device 16. A button 84 maybe coupled to the frame 68 and disposed in proximity to the user input82, and a cover 85 may be coupled to the casing 38 and disposed over thebutton 84. The user input 82 and/or the button 84 may be coupled to theframe 68 in a manner to provide tactile feedback to the user with eachdepression and/or release of the user input 82. The repeated actuationof the user input 82 may be configured to toggle between the first,second, and third states.

The main PCB assembly 74 includes an indicator assembly 86 incommunication with the controller 80. As best shown in FIG. 6, theindicator assembly 86 includes a first indicator light 88 and a secondindicator light 90. The first and second indicator lights 88, 90 may bearranged in a side-by-side configuration in a manner to be described.The controller 80 is further configured to operate the indicatorassembly 86 to provide a first visual output in response to the userinput 82 receiving the first user input, a second visual outputdifferent than the first visual output in response to the user input 82receiving the second user input, and a third visual output differentthan the first and second visual outputs in response to the user input82 receiving the third user input.

The contacts 66 of the capital assembly 36 may be coupled to or part ofthe main PCB assembly 74. A cap 92 may be coupled to the frame 68 toseal off the components of the capital assembly 36 when disposed in thecasing 38. In particular, the cap 92 may be made of silicone for thermalresistivity, and the cap 92 may include a head 93 disposed through anaperture 94 of the frame 68 to at least partially surround thecontroller 80. The cap 92 may further define openings 96 through whichthe contacts 66 extend in a sealed manner. Further, the cap 92 may bedisposed within the casing 38 in a sealed manner. As such, owing to theresilient nature of the cap 92, ingress of liquid and/or particulatethrough or around the cap 92 is prevented, thereby preventing the liquidand/or particulate from compromising function of the main PCB assembly74, the indicator assembly 86, power source 20, and the like.

The capital assembly 36 includes a PCB cover 98 configured to be coupledto the frame 68. The PCB cover 98 is coupled to the frame 68 in a mannerto sandwich or encapsulate the main PCB assembly 74. The PCB cover 98includes barbs 100 extending from an inner surface of the PCB cover 98with the barbs 100 configured to engage slots 102 of the frame 68 in aninterference engagement. The main PCB assembly 74 may include a slot 104through which the one of the barbs 100 extends to further fix the mainPCB assembly 74 into position.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the indicator assembly 86 mayinclude a first light pipe or lens 106 and a second light pipe or lens108. The first lens 106 is configured to be operatively coupled to thefirst indicator light 88, and the second lens 108 is configured to beoperatively coupled to the second indicator light 90. More particularly,the first lens 106 is configured to be positioned in abutment oradjacent to the first indicator light 88, and the second lens 108 isconfigured to be positioned in abutment or adjacent to the secondindicator light 90. With the first and second indicator lights 88, 90operatively coupled to the first and second lens 106, 108, respectively,light outputted from the first and second indicator lights 88, 90 istransmitted through the first and second lens 106, 108, respectively.Whereas the first and second indicator lights 88, 90 may be non-specificin shape, the first and second lens 106, 108 may be arrows or chevronsin shape.

The first lens 106 may be supported in a first aperture 110 of the PCBcover 98, and the second lens 108 may be supported in a first aperture112 of the PCB cover 98. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first and secondapertures 110, 112 may be arrows or chevrons in shape complementary tothe shape of the first and second lens 106, 108. Likewise, the casing 38may include a first aperture 114 and a second aperture 116 complementaryto the first and second apertures 110, 112. In particular, one of thefirst sidewalls 40 of the casing 38 defines the first and secondapertures 114, 116. With the frame 68 and the PCB cover 98 coupledthereto and disposed within the casing 38, the first and secondapertures 114, 116 are aligned with the first and second apertures 110,112 of the PCB cover 98, the first and second lens 106, 108, and thefirst and second indicator lights 88, 90. The first and second lens 106,108 may be at least partially supported by the first and secondapertures 114, 116 of the casing 38. The arrangement results in lightbeing outputted by at least one of the first and second indicator lights88, 90 being visible to the user viewing a front of the casing 38. Thelight may appear to the user as chevrons.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the cartridge 34 is shown including thehousing 46 and the mouthpiece 48. The cartridge 34 includes a firstatomizer 118, and a second atomizer 120 arranged in a parallelconfiguration with the first atomizer 118. In other words, the first andsecond atomizer 118, 120 may be considered arranged in a side-by-sideconfiguration and/or mirrored about a plane extending front-to-backthrough the longitudinal axis. The first atomizer 118 includes a firstreservoir 122 configured to store a first liquid vaporizable material,and a second reservoir 124 configured to store a first liquidvaporizable material. FIG. 10 shows the first reservoir 122 generallyoriented on a first axis (A1) and the second reservoir 124 generallyoriented on a second axis (A2) with the first and second axes beingparallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The first and second reservoirs 122, 124 may be defined within portionof the housing 46. FIG. 8 best shows the housing 46 defining two square-or rectangular-shaped bores 126, 128 separated by a partition 130. Thefirst and second bores 126, 128 may define outer surfaces of the firstand second reservoirs 122, 124, respectively. The cartridge 34 mayfurther include a first chimney 132 and a second chimney 134 coaxiallydisposed within the first and second bores 126, 128, respectively. Thefirst and second chimney 132, 134 may cylindrical-shaped tubes having adiameter less than a width and thickness of the first and second bores126, 128, respectively. The first and second chimneys 132, 134 maydefine inner surfaces of the first and second reservoirs 122, 124,respectively. In other words, the first and second reservoirs 122, 124may be defined between the first and second bores 126, 128 and the firstand second chimneys 132, 134.

The cartridge 34 includes a first heating element 136 and a second heatelement 138. The first and second heating elements 136, 138 are in fluidcommunication with the first and second reservoirs 122, 124. Withfurther reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the housing 46 may define at leastone aperture 140 with a lower wall to provide the fluid communicationbetween the first and second reservoirs 122, 124 and a first wick 142and a second wick 144, respectively, disposed beneath the lower wall.More specifically, the first wick 142 may be an elongate cylinder havingopposing ends 146 oriented widthwise beneath the first reservoir 122.The opposing ends 146 are positioned beneath the apertures 140 toprovide fluid communication between the first reservoir 122 and thefirst wick 142. Likewise, the second wick 144 may be an elongatecylinder having opposing ends 148 oriented widthwise beneath the secondreservoir 124. The opposing ends 148 are positioned beneath theapertures 140 to provide fluid communication between the secondreservoir 124 and the second wick 144.

As best shown in FIGS. 10-12, the first heating element 136 may be aresistive wire helically wrapped around the first wick 142, and thesecond heating element 138 may be another resistive wire helicallywrapped around the second wick 144. The first and second heatingelements 136, 138 are coupled to the contacts 66 that are brought intoengagement with the contacts 66 of the capital assembly 36 when thecartridge 34 is removably coupled with the capital assembly 36. Thefirst and second heating elements 136, 138 and the first and secondwicks 142, 144 may be supported on a cradle assembly 150 shown in FIG.12. The cradle assembly 150 is coupled to the housing 46, as generallyreflected in FIG. 8, such that the first and second heating elements136, 138 and the first and second wicks 142, 144 are separated by thepartition 130 and positioned beneath the first and second reservoirs122, 124, respectively. The cradle assembly 150 may include supports 152upon which the first and second wicks 142, 144 rest. The supports 152are arcuate and shape and cooperate with arcuate barriers (not shown) ofthe housing 46 to fluidly isolate first and second vaporization chambers154, 156 from the first and second reservoirs 122, 124, respectively,while the opposing ends 146, 148 of the first and second wicks 142, 144to be in fluid communication with the first and second reservoirs 122,124. In other words, the first and second heating elements 136, 138 andthe first and second vaporization chambers 154, 156 surrounding thefirst and second heating elements 136, 138 are not flooded with thefirst and second liquid vaporizable material stored in the first andsecond reservoirs 122, 124. Rather capillarity effect from the first andsecond wicks 142, 144 draw the first and second liquid vaporizablematerial near or into contact with the first and second heating elements136, 138, after which operation of the first and second heating elements136, 138 vaporizes the first and second liquid vaporizable material toproduce the first and second vapor, respectively. FIGS. 11 and 12 showthat the first and second vaporization chambers 154, 156 in fluidcommunication with the first and second chimneys 132, 134, respectively.After the first and second vapor is produced, the first and second vapormay be drawn through the first and second chimneys 132, 134,respectively, to the opening 52 at the proximal end 50 of the mouthpiece48.

As previously mentioned, known electronic smoking devices thatseparately store more than one e-liquid fail to do so in in smaller formfactor. For example, two cylindrical reservoirs disposed within an outercylindrical or rectangular housing fail to maximize volume that mayotherwise be used to increase the amounts of the e-liquids storable withthe cartridge. The electronic smoking device 16 of the disclosureprovides maximizes the volume of the first and second reservoirs 122,124 of the cartridge 34. The first and second reservoirs 122, 124 arenon-circular in axial section and in a parallel arrangement to oneanother and configured to be inserted in the rectangular-shaped opening44 of the capital assembly 36. More particularly and with reference toFIG. 11, the first and second sidewalls 54, 56 have an outer surface 62opposite the first and second bores 126, 128 that define an outerperiphery 158 of the housing 46 that is rectangular in shape. Moreover,as mentioned, the first and second bores 126, 128 at least partiallydefining the first and second reservoirs 122, 124 may be square orrectangular in axial section. Thus, the square or rectangular shape ofthe first and second reservoirs 122, 124 within the rectangular-shapedouter periphery 158 maximizes the space within the cartridge 34. Forexamples, the form factor of the cartridge 34 may be reduced forspecified volumes of the e-liquids, or the volume of the e-liquids maybe maximized for a specified form factor of the cartridge 34.

Further realization of space efficiency is realized with the positioningand orientation of the first and second heating elements 138, 138 andthe first and second wicks 142, 144. With continued reference to FIGS.10-12, the first and second wicks 142, 144 are disposed widthwise withinthe cartridge 34. More particularly, the first and second wicks 142, 144are oriented on a transverse axis TA transverse to the longitudinal axisLA of the cartridge 34 and of the electronic smoking device 16. Thewidthwise positioning provides for the first and second wicks 142, 144to be relatively larger (than if positioning thickness-wise), therebyenhancing the vaporization capability of the electronic smoking device16. Moreover, the first and second wicks 142, 144 may be collinear withone another, as best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Each of the first andsecond wicks 142, 144 may be oriented on the same axis, namely thetransverse axis TA. Likewise, the first and second heating elements 136,138 may be disposed widthwise within the cartridge 34, oriented on(i.e., coiled about) the transverse axis TA, and/or collinear with oneanother. Among other advantages, the aforementioned positioning of thefirst and second heating elements 136, 138 and the first and secondwicks 142, 144 may facilitate the generally parallel arrangement of theelectronic smoking device 16 in a space-efficient manner.

As previously mentioned, the first and second reservoirs 122, 124 areconfigured to store the first and second liquid vaporizable materials,respectively. The electronic smoking device 16 is operable toselectively vaporize the first liquid vaporizable material, the secondliquid vaporizable material, and both the first and second liquidvaporizable materials (also referred to herein as the e-liquids). In oneexample, the first and second liquid vaporizable materials are differentflavors, and depending on user preference, one of the flavors or a blendof the flavors may be provided as a vapor drawable through the opening52 of the mouthpiece 48. The electronic smoking device 16 of thedisclosure advantageously provides for an intuitive and efficient mannerby which to select which one or more of the liquid vaporizable materialsis to be vaporized, and/or to indicate to the user which one or more ofthe liquid vaporizable materials is being vaporized during operation ofthe electronic smoking device.

Referring to FIG. 9, the user input 82 is configured to configured toreceive a first user input to place the electronic smoking device 16 inthe first state, a second user input to place the electronic smokingdevice 16 in the second state, and a third user input to place theelectronic smoking device 16 in the third state. The first state may beassociated with vaporizing of the first liquid vaporizable material fromthe first reservoir 122, the second state may be associated withvaporizing of the second liquid vaporizable material from the secondreservoir 124, and the third state may be associated with vaporizing ofthe first and second liquid vaporizable material from the first andsecond reservoirs 122, 124, respectively. The vaporization of the firstand second liquid vaporizable material from the first and secondreservoirs 122, 124, respectively, may be simultaneous. For example,should the user wish to have vapor of the first flavor associated withthe first liquid vaporizable material in the first reservoir 122, theuser may provide the first user input to the user input 82. For anotherexample, should the user wish a blended vapor of the first and secondflavors associated with the first and second liquid vaporizablematerials in the first and second reservoirs 122, 124, the user mayprovide the third user input to the user input 82. The first, second,and third user inputs may include repeated actuation of the user input82. In other words, the user may actuate the user input 82 a first timeto place the electronic smoking device 16 in the first state, actuatethe user input 82 a second time to place the electronic smoking device16 in the second state, and actuate the user input 82 a third time toplace the electronic smoking device 16 in the third state. A fourthactuation to the user input 82 may again place the electronic smokingdevice 16 in the first state, and so on.

Especially because of the toggling nature of the user input 82, theindicator assembly 86 advantageously provides an output based on theuser input. As a result, the user can readily ascertain in which statethe electronic smoking device 16 is such that, should the electronicsmoking device 16 being operated, the user knows which liquidvaporizable material is to be vaporized. The controller 80 is configuredto operate the indicator assembly 86 to provide a first visual output inresponse to the user input 82 receiving the first user input, a secondvisual output different than the first visual output in response to theuser input 82 receiving the second user input, and a third visual outputdifferent than the first and second visual outputs in response to theuser input 82 receiving the third user input. The first, second, andthird visual outputs may be selective lighting of the first and secondindicator lights 88, 90 to be described, however, other visual and otheroutputs are contemplated. For example, more than two indicator lightsmay be provided each associated with one of the states of the electronicsmoking device 16. For another example, both the first and secondindicator lights 88, 90 are illuminated in each state, but a color ofthe light(s) is associated with the states of the electronic smokingdevice 16. Still further, audible, tactile, and other feedback andindicia to the user are contemplated.

FIG. 9 shows the first and second indicator lights 88, 90 arranged inparallel arrangement complementary to the parallel arrangement of thefirst and second atomizers 118, 120. Further, the first and secondindicator lights 88, 90 are centered between opposing sides of thecapital assembly 36 and positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinalaxis LA of the electronic smoking device 16, as are the first and secondatomizers 118, 120. In one implementation, owing to the shape of thefirst and second apertures 110, 112, 114, 116 in each of the PCB cover98 and the casing 38 (see FIG. 6), the first indicator lights 88, 90output light shaped as chevrons oriented sideways facing towards theopposing sides of the capital assembly 36. From the positioning,alignment, shape, and nature of operation of the indicator assembly 86,it readily follows that when the first indicator light 88 isilluminated, the user can expect the first atomizer 118 to be operatedwith operation of the electronic smoking device 16. Likewise, when thesecond indicator light 90 is illuminated, the user can expect the secondatomizer 120 to be operated with operation of the electronic smokingdevice 16. When the first and second indicator lights 88, 90 areilluminated, the user can expect the first and second atomizers 118, 120to be operated, perhaps simultaneously, with operation of the electronicsmoking device 16.

In the example using flavors, the user may actuate the user input 82 afirst time, and the first indicator light 88 is illuminated. The usercan expect that with operation of the electronic smoking device 16, thefirst flavor of e-liquid from the first reservoir 122 will be vaporized.If the user input 82 is actuated a second time, the second indicatorlight 90 is illuminated. The user can expect that with operation of theelectronic smoking device 16, the second flavor of e-liquid from thesecond reservoir 124 will be vaporized. If the user input 82 is actuateda third time, the first and second indicator lights 88, 90 areilluminated. The user can expect that with operation of the electronicsmoking device 16, a vapor blend of the first and second flavors ofe-liquid will be produced.

One the user is satisfied with the selection as reflected by theindicator assembly 86, the user may operate the electronic smokingdevice 16. In one implementation, a sensor (not shown) in communicationwith the controller 80 may be provided to sense a draw on the mouthpiece48 resulting in a decrease in pressure. A sensor suitable of the presentapplication is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,231,488, issued Mar. 19,2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.In another implementation, a second user input may be actuated while thedraw is performed. The controller 80 is configured to operate the powersource 20 to activate the first heating element 136 with operation ofthe electronic smoking device 16 in the first state, activate the secondheating element 138 with operation of the electronic smoking device 16in the second state, and activate both the first and second heatingelements 136, 138 with operation of the electronic smoking device 16 inthe third state. In other words, based on the state of the electronicsmoking device 16, as stored in memory (not shown) in communication withthe controller 80, the controller 80 transmits electric power through aselect one or more of the contacts 66 of the main PCB assembly 74, whichare in electrical connection with the contacts 66 respectively inelectrical connection with the first and second heating elements 136,138. The electrical power being supplied to the first and/or secondheating elements 136, 138 respectively heats the e-liquid(s) on surfacesof the first and/or second wicks 142, 144, thereby producing the firstand/or second vapors, respectively.

The controller 80 may be further configured to control the indicatorassembly 86 to illuminate the first indicator light 88 with activationof the first heating element 136, illuminate the second indicator light90 with activation of the second heating element 138, and illuminateboth of the first and second indicator lights 88, 90 with activation ofboth of the first and second heating elements 136, 138. Thus, while theuser is operating the electronic smoking device 16, the indicatorassembly 86 alerts or reminds the user to which one or more flavors ofvapor to expect. The controller 80 may control the indicator assembly 86to automatically illuminate or cease illumination with initiation orcessation of the draw on the mouthpiece 48.

In certain implementations, after cessation of the draw on themouthpiece 48, the memory stores the state of the electronic smokingdevice 16. If, later, the user initiates another draw on the mouthpiece48, the electronic smoking device 16 operates in a manner previouslydescribed based on the stored state. The arrangement prevents the needfor the user to provide input(s) to the user input 82 to take anotherdraw with the same flavor profile as the previous draw. It iscontemplated that features may be included that provide for stored userprofiles (for multiple users) as well as variable blend control. Incertain implementations, the first and second heating elements 136, 138,when operated simultaneously, receive the same voltage and thus producethe same amount of vapor (e.g., an equal blend of the first and secondflavors). In other implementations, the user may select a blend ratiothat is weighted towards one of the two flavors. For example, the usermay selectively tune one of the first and second heating elements 136,138 to operate at half strength with the result being a 75%-25% blend ofthe first and second flavors. Other related operational parameters arecontemplated and within the scope of the disclosure.

As the user draws on the mouthpiece 48, air enters the electronicsmoking device 16 through an inlet 160, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6.The inlet 160 is defined by the casing 38 and at an axial positionapproximately between a distal end 162 of the cartridge 34 (see FIGS. 7and 10) and the cap 92 of the capital assembly 36. The air entersthrough apertures 164 (see FIG. 4) and through openings associated withthe cradle assembly 150. The air passes into the first and secondvaporization chambers 154, 156 and across the first and second heatingelements 136, 138 with at least one of the first and second heatingelements 136, 138 vaporizing the e-liquid(s). The air-vapor mixture (orair) is drawn through the first and second chimneys 132, 134, andcombine into a single flow path in the mouthpiece 48. The air-vapormixture passes between sorbent 166 disposed within the mouthpiece 48,for example, two elongate members spaced apart from one another todefine a gap aligned with the opening 52 along the longitudinal axis(see FIGS. 7 and 8). The sorbent 166 absorbs fluid in the air-vapormixture. The air-vapor mixture is drawn through the opening 52 and intothe user's mouth. As mentioned, the single flow path is generated in themouthpiece 48 after vaporization of the separate e-liquids. Thearrangement of combining the flavors as air-vapor mixtures producesbetter tasting results than combining the e-liquids into a solution thenvaporizing.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, an implementation of the electronicsmoking device 16 is shown with like numbers indicating like components,wherein terminals 168 are arranged to provide for selectively operatingone or both of the first and second heating elements 136, 138. Thecapital assembly 36 includes the power source 20, and the main PCBassembly 74 is coupled to the power source 20. The capital assembly 36further includes a first pin 170 a, a second pin 170 b, and a third pin170 c coupled to or part of the main PCB assembly 74 (previouslyintroduced generally as contacts 66). In a manner to be furtherexplained, the pins 170 are configured to be brought into engagementwith the terminals 168 of the cartridge 34 when the cartridge 34 isremovably coupled with the capital assembly 36. The controller 80 isconfigured to transmits electric power to and through at least two ofthe pins 170 to create at least one electrical pathway for selectivelysupplying electrical power to the first and/or second heating elements136, 138.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the cartridge 34 including the mouthpiece 48fixedly or removably coupled to the housing 46. The mouthpiece 48 maydefine the proximal end 50 of the cartridge 34, and the opening 52 tofacilitate a user drawing vapor through the electronic smoking device 16in a manner to be further described. The first sidewalls 54 and thesecond sidewalls 56 may define the width and the thickness of thehousing 46, respectively, with the width being greater than thethickness. Further, the housing 46 may include a distal portion 172having first sidewalls 174 and second sidewalls 176 defining a width anda thickness, respectively, that is slightly less than the aforementionedwidth and the thickness. The resulting arrangement may be the distalportion 172 being a stepwise taper to define a lip 178.

The cartridge 34 may include a base member 180 coupled to the housing46. The base member 180 may generally be in the form a cap configured tobe coupled to and at least partially disposed over the distal portion172. In one example, the base member 180 includes slots 182 definedwithin second sidewalls 186 with the slots 182 configured to receivedetents 188 disposed on the second sidewalls 176 of the distal portion172. The interference engagement of the detents 188 within the slots 182secure the base member 180 to the housing 46 to provide a generallycontoured outer surface of the cartridge 34, as shown in FIGS. 13 and16.

Referring to FIG. 14, the base member 180 includes first sidewalls 184and the second sidewalls 186 defining a width and a thickness of thebase member, 180, respectively, with the width being greater than thethickness. And end wall 190 is coupled to the first and second sidewalls184, 186 and define the distal end 162 of the cartridge 34 to generallyform the cap. The end wall 190 defines a first aperture 192 and a secondaperture 194 separate from the first aperture 192. The first aperture192 and the second aperture 194 are separated by a contact surface 196to be described. In other words, the first and second terminals 168 a,168 b of the cartridge 34 are positioned opposite the contact surface196. The first aperture 192 and the second aperture 194 may be sized andpositioned to receive the second pin 170 b and the third pin 170 c ofthe capital assembly 36, respectively, when the cartridge 34 isremovably coupled with the capital assembly 36. The base member 180 maybe formed from electrically conductive material, for example, metal.

As mentioned, the cartridge 34 includes the first terminal 168 a and thesecond terminal 168 b. The cartridge 34 may further include a thirdterminal 168 c and a fourth terminal 168 d. The first terminal 168 a ispositioned adjacent or within the first aperture 192, and the secondterminal 168 b is positioned adjacent or within the second aperture 194.As best shown in FIG. 13, the first terminal 168 a is configured to beengaged by the second pin 170 b of the capital assembly 36, and thesecond terminal 168 b is configured to be engaged by the third pin 170 cof the capital assembly 36. The first pin 170 a may be a negativeelectrode, and the second and third pins 170 b, 170 c may be positiveelectrodes; however, the converse arrangement is contemplated.

With concurrent reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the first heating element136 includes an end coupled to the first terminal 168 a and another endin electrical communication with the contact surface 196 of the basemember 180. The second heating element 138 includes an end coupled tothe second terminal 168 b and another end in electrical communicationwith the contact surface 196 of the base member 180. With an end of eachof the first and second heating elements 136, 138 in electricalcommunication with the contact surface 196 of the base member 180, thecontact surface 196 is a common terminal to both the first and secondheating elements 136, 138. The first and second terminals 168 a, 168 bare electrically insulated from the contact surface 196 of the basemember 180. The electrical insulation may be from adequate spacingbetween the first and second terminals 168 a, 168 b and the base member180, and/or from an insulator (not shown) suitably disposed about thefirst and second terminals 168 a, 168 b. The contact surface 196 isconfigured to be directly contacted by the first pin 170 a of thecapital assembly 36 when the cartridge 34 is removably coupled with thecapital assembly 36. The resulting arrangement provides for twoelectrical pathways for selectively operating one or both of the firstand second heating elements 136, 138. Through the controller 80facilitating the power source 20 to energize the first pin 170 a and thesecond pin 170 b, a first electrical pathway includes the second pin 170b (as the positive electrode), the first terminal 168 a, the firstheating element 136, the contact surface 196, and the first pin 170 a(as the negative electrode). Energizing the first pin 170 a and thethird pin 170 c may provide a second electrical pathway including thethird pin 170 c (as the positive electrode), the second terminal 168 b,the second heating element 138, the contact surface 196, and the firstpin 170 a (as the negative electrode). Energizing the first, second, andthird pins 170 a, 170 b, 170 c may simultaneously provide the first andsecond electrical pathways with the contact surface 196 being the commonterminal to both the first and second heating elements 136, 138. As aresult, the first heating element 136 and/or the second heating element138 may be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid vaporizablematerial in the first and second reservoirs 122, 124, respectively.

In certain implementations, the third and fourth terminals 168 c, 168 dare in direct contact with the base member 180, and thus in electricalcommunication with the contact surface 196. FIGS. 14 and 16 show thebase member 180 including dimples 198 extending proximally to facilitatethe direct contact between the base member 180 and the third and fourthterminals 168 c, 168 d. The dimples 198 are positioned opposite thefirst and second apertures 192, 194, and thus the third and fourthterminals 168 c, 168 d are positioned opposite the first and secondterminals 168 a, 168 b. As best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the end of thefirst heating 136 that is not coupled to the first terminal 168 a iscoupled to the third terminal 168 c, and the end of the second heatingelement 138 that is not coupled to the second terminal 168 b is coupledto the fourth terminal 168 d. The third and fourth terminals 168 c, 168d may facilitate providing the two electrical pathways for selectivelyoperating one or both of the first and second heating elements 136, 138.The first electrical pathway may include the second pin 170 b (as thepositive electrode), the first terminal 168 a, the first heating element136, the third terminal 168 c, the contact surface 196, and the firstpin 170 a (as the negative electrode). The second electrical pathway mayinclude the third pin 170 c (as the positive electrode), the secondterminal 168 b, the second heating element 138, the fourth terminal 168d, the contact surface 196, and the first pin 170 a (as the negativeelectrode). Energizing the first, second, and third pins 170 a, 170 b,170 c may simultaneously provide the first and second electricalpathways as previously described. The use of the contact surface 196 ofthe base member 180 as a common terminal to the two electrical pathwaysmay simply construction of the electronic smoking device 14, includingthe cartridge 34 and the capital assembly 36, namely the main PCBassembly 74.

The first and second terminals 168 a, 168 b may be a first pair ofterminals configured to engage the pins 170 b, 170 c of the capitalassembly when the cartridge is removably coupled with the capitalassembly, and the third and fourth terminals 168 c, 168 d may be asecond pair of terminals in electrical communication with the contactsurface 196 of the base member 180. The first and second heatingelements 136, 138 each include an end coupled to one of the first pairof terminals and one of the second pair of terminals. The first andsecond pairs of terminals are configured to be selectively electricallyenergized for selectively operating the cartridge one of plural modes. Afirst mode may include the first heating element 136 vaporizing thefirst liquid vaporizable material in the first vaporization chamber 154.A second mode may include the second heating element 138 vaporizing thesecond liquid vaporizable material in the second vaporization chamber156. A third mode may include the first and second heating elementssimultaneously vaporize the first and second liquid vaporizable materialin the first and second vaporization chambers 154, 156, respectively.

The contact surface 196 may define the distal end 162 of the cartridge34. In certain implementations, the first and second terminals 168 a,168 b are nearly or flush with the contact surface 196 of the basemember 180. FIG. 16 shows contact faces of the first and secondterminals 168 a, 168 b being just slightly recessed within the first andsecond apertures 192, 194, respectively. The substantially flusharrangement of the first and second terminals 168 a, 168 b and thecontact surface 196 advantageously provides for a confident electricalconnection between the terminals 168 and the pins 170, and furthersimplifies construction of the terminals 168 and the cartridge 34.Moreover, the rectangular shape of the cartridge 34 is particularly wellsuited to accommodate the first, second, third, and fourth terminals 168a, 168 b, 168 c, 168 d in a space-conscious manner. With reference toFIG. 17, the first sidewalls 54 define the width of the housing 46(i.e., a distance between the first sidewalls 54), and the secondsidewalls 56 define the thickness of the housing 46 (i.e., a distancebetween the second sidewalls 56). The width may be greater than thethickness such that, with the first and second sidewalls 54, 56 arrangedgenerally perpendicular to one another, the housing 46 of the cartridge34 is rectangular in section. The first, second, third, and fourthterminals 168 a, 168 b, 168 c, 168 d are arranged widthwise within thecartridge 34, for example, along the base member 180. The first, second,third, and fourth terminals 168 a, 168 b, 168 c, 168 d may be alignedwith one another along the transverse axis TA transverse to thelongitudinal axis LA of the cartridge 34 and of the electronic smokingdevice 16 (see FIG. 12).

The arrangement of the terminals 168 together with the structure of thecradle assembly 150 previously introduced (see FIG. 12) provides forimproved air intake into the first and second vaporization chambers 154,156. As previously explained, as the user draws on the mouthpiece 48,air enters the electronic smoking device 16 through an inlet 160, asshown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6. Referring now to FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17,the air from the inlet 160 further enters through the first and secondapertures 192, 194 of the base member 180. The first and secondapertures 192, 194 being eccentrically shaped to accommodate the firstand second terminals 168 a, 168 b being circular in section, and airapertures 200 adjacent the first and second terminals 168 a, 168 b. FIG.14 shows one of the air apertures 200 positioned between the first andthird terminals 168 a, 168 c, and another one of the air apertures 200positioned between the second and fourth terminals 168 b, 168 d. It isappreciated from the sectional view of FIG. 16 and the bottom plan viewof FIG. 17 that the air passing through the air apertures 200 enters thefirst and second atomizing chambers 154, 156. The air passes across thefirst and second heating elements 136, 138 with at least one of thefirst and second heating elements 136, 138 vaporizing the e-liquid(s).The air-vapor mixture (or air) is drawn through the first and secondchimneys 132, 134, and combine into a single flow path in the mouthpiece48.

In certain implementations, each of the base member 180 and the distalportion 172 of the housing 46 include lateral apertures 202, 204 alignedto provide lateral air passageways that are orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis LA for the cartridge 34. FIGS. 14 and 15 show a firstpair of the lateral apertures 202 on one of the first sidewalls 184, anda second pair of the lateral apertures on the other one of the firstsidewalls 184. The lateral apertures 204 of the housing 46 are similarlyarranged. The flow of air entering the lateral apertures 202, 204 passesthrough voids 206 within the cradle assembly 150, after which it mayjoin the flow of air from the air apertures 200 below. While fourlateral apertures 202, 204 are shown, it is to be appreciated that theremay be zero, one, two, three, or five or more of the apertures based onthe flow of air to impart the desired air-vapor mixture uponvaporization of the e-liquid.

As mentioned, the cartridge 34 may be disposable. In certainimplementations, the cartridge 34 may be configured to be refilled withe-liquid(s). Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the cartridge 34 mayinclude fluid ports 208, 210 in selective communication with the firstand second reservoirs 122, 124, respectively. The fluid ports 208, 210are configured to receive a nozzle of an e-liquid dispenser tofacilitate supplying the first and second reservoirs 122, 124 withe-liquid. FIG. 15 shows covers disposed over the fluid ports 208, 210with the covers configured to prevent egress of the e-liquid alreadypresent in the first and second reservoirs 122, 124. In one example, thecovers are arranged akin to a trap door so as to permit insertion of thenozzle of the e-liquid dispenser, but otherwise biased to remain closedand seal the first and second reservoirs 122, 124.

Several embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description.However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to beexhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. Theterminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of wordsof description rather than of limitation. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings and theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating an electronic smokingdevice including a cartridge, and a capital assembly including a userinput, wherein the cartridges includes a mouthpiece, a first atomizerstoring a first liquid vaporizable material and a second atomizerstoring a second liquid vaporizable material, the method comprising:drawing on the mouthpiece with the device in a first state in which thefirst atomizer is activated to atomize the first liquid vaporizablematerial to produce a first vapor; drawing the first vapor through themouthpiece; providing to the user input a first user input to move thedevice from the first state to a second state; drawing on the mouthpiecewith the device in the second state in which the second atomizer isactivated to atomize the second liquid vaporizable material to produce asecond vapor; and drawing the second vapor through the mouthpiece. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the second atomizer is not activated withthe device in the first state.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein thefirst atomizer is not activated with the device in the second state. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the user input includes a singularbutton, the method further comprising actuating the singular button totoggle the device between the first state and the second state.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: providing to the user input asecond user input to move the device from the second state to a thirdstate; and drawing on the mouthpiece with the device in the third statein which both of the first atomizer and the second atomizer areactivated to atomize the first liquid vaporizable material and thesecond liquid vaporizable material; and drawing a blend of the firstvapor and the second vapor through the mouthpiece.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising providing to the user input a third userinput to return the device from the third state to the first state. 7.The method of claim 6, wherein the user input includes a singularbutton, the method further comprising actuating the singular button totoggle the device between the first state, the second state, and thethird state.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the capital assemblyfurther includes memory storing data indicative of a most recent one ofthe first state and the second state in which the device was operated,the method further comprising drawing again on the mouthpiece withoutfurther input to the user input to operate the device in one of thefirst state and the second state based on the data from the memory. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the capital assembly further comprises anindicator assembly, the method further comprising viewing output of theindicator assembly that is indicative of whether the device is in thefirst state or the second state.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thestep of viewing the indicator assembly is performed during the steps ofdrawing on the mouthpiece.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the stepof viewing the indicator assembly is performed during the step ofproviding the first user input.
 12. A method of operating an electronicsmoking device including a cartridge, and a capital assembly including auser input, wherein the cartridges includes a mouthpiece, a firstatomizer storing a first liquid vaporizable material and a secondatomizer storing a second liquid vaporizable material, the methodcomprising: providing the device in a first state in which the firstatomizer is configured to be activated to atomize the first liquidvaporizable material to produce a first vapor, wherein the secondatomizer is configured to not be activated in the first state; providingto the user input a first user input to move the device from the firststate to a second state in which the second atomizer is configured to beactivated to atomize the second liquid vaporizable material to produce asecond vapor, wherein the first atomizer is configured to not beactivated in the second state; and providing to the user input a seconduser input to move the device from the second state to a third state inwhich both of the first atomizer and the second atomizer are activatedto atomize the first liquid vaporizable material and the second liquidvaporizable material.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprisingdrawing on the mouthpiece with the device in one of the first state, thesecond state, and the third state.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereinthe user input includes a singular button, the method further comprisingactuating the singular button to toggle the device between the firststate, the second state, and the third state.
 15. The method of claim12, wherein the capital assembly further includes memory storing dataindicative of a most recent one of the first state, the second state andthe third state in which the device was operated, the method furthercomprising drawing on the mouthpiece without further input to the userinput to operate the device in one of the first state, the second state,and the third state based on the data from the memory.
 16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the capital assembly further comprises an indicatorassembly, the method further comprising viewing output of the indicatorassembly that is indicative of whether the device is in the first state,the second state, or the third state.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the step of viewing the indicator assembly is performed whiledrawing on the mouthpiece.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the stepof viewing the indicator assembly is performed during the steps ofproviding the first user input or the second user input to the userinput.
 19. A method of operating an electronic smoking device includinga cartridge, and a capital assembly including a user input, wherein thecartridges includes a mouthpiece, a first atomizer storing a firstliquid vaporizable material of a first flavor and a second atomizerstoring a second liquid vaporizable material of a second flavor, themethod comprising: providing user inputs to the user input toselectively toggle the device between a first state in which the firstatomizer is configured to be activated to atomize the first liquidvaporizable material to produce a first vapor of the first flavor, asecond state in which the second atomizer is configured to be activatedto atomize the second liquid vaporizable material to produce a secondvapor of the second flavor, and a third state in which both of the firstatomizer and the second atomizer are activated to atomize the firstliquid vaporizable material and the second liquid vaporizable materialto produce a vapor being a blend of the first flavor and the secondflavor; and drawing on the mouthpiece with the device in one of thefirst state, the second state, and the third state.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the capital assembly further comprises an indicatorassembly, the method further comprising viewing output of the indicatorassembly that is indicative of whether the device is in the first state,the second state, or the third state.